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Officer describes scene of Wilton stabbing

The jury in the trial of a Wilton man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death heard Thursday from a state police officer who investigated the scene of the killing.

Benjamin Duling is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the April 2008 death of Shelly McGrade.

State police Sgt. Scott Gilbert was in charge of processing the couple's home after McGrade's body was found slumped on the floor in the kitchen.

Gilbert said there was a small blood trail leading from the garage into the dining room of the home. A short distance away, McGrade's body was discovered in a large pool of blood with stab wounds to her back and neck.

Prosecutors said Duling stabbed McGrade and then went with the couple's two young children to a neighbor's home, where a call for help was made.

Gilbert also testified that the numbers 9 and 1 on the couple's house phone had blood stains.

Forensic expert Kim Rumrill of the State Police Crime Lab testified that the DNA on the phone matched Duling's.

Duling's lawyer said this is a case of self-defense, claiming McGrade threatened Duling with a knife during an argument over an upcoming trip to London.

Gilbert testified about a blood-covered knife found in McGrade's hand at the scene.

Gilbert told the jury it was backwards in her hand and not in a way "any reasonable person would hold the blade."

Prosecutors said they believe Duling placed the knife in McGrade's hand before running to the neighbor's house.

Testimony is expected to continue Friday.

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